The Justice Department has opened a civil investigation into allegations of excessive use of deadly force by members of the city of Miami Police Department (MPD), in accordance with the pattern or practice provision of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994.

The department’s investigation will seek to determine whether there are systemic violations of the Constitution or federal law by officers of MPD. During the course of the investigation, the Justice Department will consider all relevant information, particularly the efforts that MPD has undertaken to ensure compliance with federal law and the experiences and views of the community. The Justice Department has taken similar steps involving a variety of state and local law enforcement agencies, both large and small, in jurisdictions such as Newark, N.J.; Seattle; Puerto Rico; New Orleans; and the District of Columbia.

This matter is being investigated by attorneys and staff from the Special Litigation Section of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. They will be assisted by experienced law enforcement experts. The department welcomes the views of anyone wishing to provide relevant information.